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An employer pays Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) to staff who are off sick. Most working people are covered by this scheme but those who are not may qualify for Employment Support Allowance (ESA) when they are off sick.

Note: this leaflet gives a brief summary of SSP and is for guidance only. It does not cover all situations, nor is it a full statement of the law. Sources of further, more detailed information are given at the end of the leaflet.

When do you get Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)?

You must have been sick and unable to work for at least four days in a row (including weekends and bank holidays). So you do not get SSP for the first three days that you are unwell. However, if you were getting SSP sometime in the previous eight weeks and go off sick again, the SSP will restart again from your first day off work.

You must be earning, on average, £112 a week or more (April 2015). This is before deductions such as tax and National Insurance.

You can get SSP for up to 28 weeks in one sickness episode.

If you are still sick at the end of 28 weeks, you may be able to transfer to Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

SSP also stops if your job is terminated whilst you are off sick.

If you have more than one job you may be entitled to SSP from each employer.

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What proof of sickness do I need?

You must inform your employer that you are sick within seven days, or by their deadline. Employers must accept notification if someone else makes it on your behalf.

You must also provide a doctor's sick note as evidence of sickness. (Note: you only need a doctor's sick note if you are off sick for more than seven days in a row.) Your employer cannot ask for evidence of sickness to be produced more often than once a week.

Who cannot get Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)?

You cannot get SSP if you:

Are unemployed.

Are self-employed. (You may be able to claim Employment Support Allowance (ESA) instead.)

Are involved in, or affected by, a trade dispute at work.

Are in legal custody.

Have already had 28 weeks of SSP, gone back to work but have gone sick again within eight weeks (but you may qualify for other benefits).

Further help & information

Further reading & references

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. EMIS has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions.

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